Public interest media - More than RTÉ’s future is at stake

A robust, independent, and responsible public interest broadcaster is part of the furniture of every democracy.

A good public interest broadcaster plays a huge role in the cultural, sporting, and political life of a society, championing the first two of those and occasionally challenging the third. In Ireland we also expect our public service broadcaster to play a significant role in generating and sustaining momentum in that most challenging project — the preservation and advancement of the Irish language. As if that was not enough, we also expect Montrose to fund what are effectively two national orchestras and other music groups.

In the West we may take organisations like RTÉ and the BBC for granted but even the briefest consideration of how such organisations are controlled where free speech or democracy remain an aspiration should make us appreciate them all the more. They are invaluable and stimulating entities and, at their best, greatly enrich our lives.